Gauchos, Culottes—Whatever You Call Them, This Fall Pants-as-Skirt Trend Is Here to Stay

It's time to embrace the wide-leg, cropped pants: gaucho pants (some call them culottes, either work!) are here to stay. Coming onto the scene with trepidation almost two years ago (Celine! Louis Vuitton!), the trend has only gained momentum since then. Leah has named cropped pants as one of the 10 pieces you need for fall, and we are all running as fast as we can to get our hands on our very own.

To start off with a little history lesson, gaucho is actually the South American equivalent to the American cowboy. And, as our modern-day luck may have it, they made quite a fashion statement with their wide-leg, cropped pants. The word culotte hails from France, but refers to the same garment: more specifically, one that hangs like a skirt but splits like pants. So pick your poison, both terms are correct, and choose our favorite pant trend for fall!

It's important to balance proportions while rocking this pant trend, but that doesn't mean you should stay far away — they may very well be the only pants you need this fall. Whether you opt for super wide leg gauchos or a pair that is slimmer, but still roomy, style them with a cropped top or tuck in a thin shirt so that you don't lose your waistline.

Though we all love our flats around here, if you're apprehensive to try this trend, step out in a pair of heels with the cropped pants first. You will be surprised at how elegant the silhouette looks and how flattering it can be on any body (and don't our legs all need a little more breathing room?)

Looking to dip your toe into the gaucho pool (or jump in head-first!)? Check out some of my favorite cropped pants below and start shopping!

What do you think of this trend? Will you try it this fall? Let us know below!